Balcombe
The viaduct, which is as beautiful as it is impressive, played a key part in the development of West Sussex. It allowed the London to Brighton railway to span the valley of the River Ouse, thereby helping to connect the Sussex coast to the capital.
Balcombe Viaduct stretches for nearly 500 metres and was built in the early 1840s, with the work being completed in 1842. It is said that the viaduct contains around 11 million bricks.
Although the viaduct was clearly designed as a functional piece of railway engineering, today its massive features and beautiful proportions mean that, however incongruous this man made monster might have been in such surroundings, its presence enhances the overall beauty of the Ouse Valley.
The Balcombe Viaduct is a Grade II* listed building and underwent restoration work in the late 1990s to restore it to its former glory.
BALCOMBE INFORMATION
Balcombe Church
St Mary's Church Balcombe is open every day.
Balcombe UFC
Balcombe United Reformed Chuch, Bramble Hill, Balcombe, West Sussex.
Balcombe School
Balcombe Church of England Primary School, London Road, Balcombe, West Sussex RH17 6HS
The Victory Players
Balcombe village's very own theatre company. The Victory Players put on a several shows each year and are named after the Victory Hall - Balcombe's village hall which was erected as a war memorial after the First World War. The Victory Players also enjoy theatre trips as well as opportunities to study, rehearse and generally perform theatrical works of many kinds.
Balcombe Parish Council
Balcombe Village's own website contains meeting details of the recently established Balcombe History Society as well as parish council meeting minutes and other Balcombe-related stuff.
Balcombe Cricket Club
Balcombe Cricket Club runs 3 cricket teams and the club website contains a very interesting history of cricket in Balcombe.
Balcombe Tennis Club
Balcombe Tennis Club can be found at the intersection of Oldlands and Haywards Heath Road in Balcombe.
